How much does exterior house painting cost?
Painting a house exterior typically costs $3,000–$9,000 for an average single-story to two-story home — about $1.50–$4.50 per sq ft of paintable exterior. Large homes, three stories, or heavy prep on old siding can run $10,000–$15,000+.
Ranges are typical planning guides — actual price varies by region, access, materials and your local pro. Always get a written quote.
| Home size | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small single-story (~1,000 sq ft) | $2,000–$4,500 | Easy ladder access |
| Average 1,500–2,000 sq ft | $3,000–$7,500 | Most common range |
| Two-story, 2,500 sq ft | $5,500–$10,500 | More height, more prep |
| Three-story / large home | $8,000–$15,000+ | Scaffolding or lifts |
| Trim, doors, shutters only | $1,000–$3,000 | No full body repaint |
What affects the price
Siding material
Smooth fiber cement and vinyl coat quickly; stucco and brick drink paint and rough cedar needs extra coats. Peeling old paint means scraping, sanding and priming — often a third of the job.
Height and access
Anything above one story slows work and adds ladder or scaffold time. Steep lots, landscaping against walls and tight neighbor gaps all add labor.
Prep and repairs
Power washing, caulking, wood rot repair and priming bare spots are what separate a $3,000 job from a $7,000 one on the same house.
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How much does exterior house painting cost?
Typically $3,000–$9,000 for an average home, or roughly $1.50–$4.50 per square foot of exterior surface. Height, siding type and prep condition drive the spread.
How often should a house exterior be painted?
Every 7–10 years for most siding — sooner for wood in harsh climates (5–7 years), longer for fiber cement or brick (10–15+). Repainting before paint fails keeps prep costs down.
What time of year is cheapest to paint a house exterior?
Late fall and early spring shoulder seasons, when painter schedules open up. You need dry weather and temperatures roughly 50–90°F for paint to cure properly.